Russian President warns US not to humiliate India over oil imports, praises Modi’s leadership
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday cautioned the United States against pressuring India to halt purchases of Russian oil, asserting that New Delhi would never allow itself to be humiliated. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Group in Sochi, Putin emphasized India’s sovereignty and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “balanced, wise, and nationally oriented” leader, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Putin highlighted India’s strategic choice to continue importing Russian crude despite potential US tariffs, stating that the nation’s losses would be offset and that it would gain prestige as a sovereign country.
Putin’s comments came after US President Donald Trump urged Europe, India, and China to stop buying Russian oil to limit Moscow’s funding for the war in Ukraine
He underscored the “special” India-Russia relationship, recalling the announcement of a privileged strategic partnership 15 years ago. Putin stressed that any reductions in Russian energy supplies could destabilize global oil markets, pushing prices above $100 per barrel, and highlighted the importance of resolving trade and payment issues with India, potentially through BRICS or other channels.
He also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, alleging NATO involvement and the presence of foreign instructors participating in combat operations, while thanking BRICS and Arab nations for peace efforts and acknowledging support from allies such as North Korea and Belarus. In a wide-ranging address, Putin also touched on US policies regarding Gaza, the supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, and global energy market volatility.
